A Southern-Style Sweet Treat That’s Quick, Rich, and Irresistibly Good
Few desserts embody the warmth and charm of southern cooking like a rich, chocolaty batch of fudge, and when it comes to simple yet indulgent recipes, Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge takes the crown. This old-fashioned-style recipe is fast, fail-proof, and foolproof—even for beginners. It uses pantry staples and takes just minutes to come together, yet the result tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Whether you’re preparing for a holiday platter, a bake sale, or a midnight snack, this creamy chocolate fudge is the sweet comfort you didn’t know you needed.
Let’s dive into the full, delicious breakdown of how to make Paula Deen’s legendary 5-Minute Fudge.
🧾 Why This Recipe Is So Popular
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✅ Takes just 5 minutes of cook time
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✅ No candy thermometer or complicated techniques
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✅ Rich, creamy texture and old-fashioned flavor
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✅ Uses pantry-friendly ingredients
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✅ Endlessly customizable with add-ins and toppings
🍬 Ingredients
Basic 5-Minute Fudge:
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1 ⅔ cups granulated sugar
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2/3 cup evaporated milk (not sweetened condensed milk)
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1 tablespoon butter (unsalted or salted)
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
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1 ½ cups mini marshmallows or 10 regular marshmallows cut up
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, but traditional in southern fudge)
🍳 Equipment You’ll Need
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Medium saucepan
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Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
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Measuring cups and spoons
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8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish, greased or lined with parchment paper
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Knife for cutting into squares
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Airtight container for storage
⏲️ Time Overview
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 5 minutes
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Cooling Time: 1–2 hours at room temp or 30–40 minutes in the fridge
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Total Time: About 1 hour (hands-on: 10 minutes)
🧑🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
🔥 Step 1: Combine the Sugar Base
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine:
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1 ⅔ cups granulated sugar
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2/3 cup evaporated milk
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1 tablespoon butter
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½ teaspoon salt
Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil—this should take 1 to 2 minutes.
🍯 Tip: Stir frequently to prevent the sugar from sticking or burning.
🍫 Step 2: Boil for Exactly 5 Minutes
Once the mixture reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat slightly and boil for exactly 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
This boiling step is crucial: it allows the sugar to dissolve and the mixture to slightly thicken.
🍥 Step 3: Add the Chocolate and Marshmallows
After 5 minutes, remove the pan from heat.
Immediately stir in:
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1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
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1 ½ cups mini marshmallows
Stir vigorously until both are completely melted and smooth.
✨ Step 4: Add Flavorings and Nuts
Once the mixture is smooth, stir in:
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ cup chopped nuts (optional but adds texture and classic southern flair)
The vanilla adds a beautiful warmth, and the nuts give that authentic southern fudge bite.
🧊 Step 5: Pour, Spread, and Set
Quickly pour the hot fudge mixture into a prepared 8×8 or 9×9 pan (greased or lined with parchment for easy removal). Use a spatula to spread evenly.
Allow it to cool at room temperature for about 1–2 hours or refrigerate for 30–40 minutes until firm.
🔪 Step 6: Slice and Serve
Once fully set, cut into small squares. Fudge is rich, so 1-inch squares are perfect serving sizes.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
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Serve as part of a holiday dessert tray.
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Pair with a hot cup of coffee or milk for the ultimate comfort snack.
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Wrap squares in wax paper or cellophane for gift-giving during Christmas or birthdays.
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Use as a topping: Crumble over ice cream or mix into brownie batter for extra indulgence.
🔄 Variations & Add-Ins
✳️ Mix-In Ideas:
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Toasted coconut (½ cup)
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Chopped Oreos
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Dried cranberries + white chocolate
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Peanut butter chips
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Crushed pretzels or toffee bits
🍫 Chocolate Variations:
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Milk chocolate chips for a sweeter version
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Dark chocolate chips for an intense, bittersweet flavor
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Use white chocolate chips with peppermint or raspberry flavoring for a fun twist
🥶 Storage and Freezing Tips
🧊 Fridge:
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Store fudge in an airtight container with parchment between layers.
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Lasts up to 2 weeks refrigerated.
❄️ Freezer:
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Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
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Thaw in fridge overnight or at room temp before serving.
❓ FAQs
Can I use sweetened condensed milk instead of evaporated milk?
No. Sweetened condensed milk is too thick and sweet and would alter the texture and balance of the recipe.
Can I use marshmallow fluff instead of marshmallows?
Yes! Use about 1 cup of marshmallow fluff as a substitute.
Why is my fudge grainy?
Grainy fudge often means the sugar wasn’t fully dissolved. Boiling for exactly 5 minutes and constant stirring helps prevent this.
✅ Pro Tips for Success
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Stir constantly: Never walk away while the sugar mixture is boiling.
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Use quality chocolate chips: The better the chocolate, the better the flavor.
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Cut with a warm knife: Run your knife under hot water and wipe dry before slicing for cleaner edges.
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Work quickly: The fudge sets fast once off the heat, so have your pan and ingredients ready in advance.
🧁 A Little Backstory: Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is rooted in the southern tradition of no-fuss, full-flavor cooking. Paula Deen’s charm lies in her ability to make indulgent food accessible and simple—and this fudge is no exception.
Using evaporated milk instead of cream gives it a silky texture without requiring exacting precision. Marshmallows add creaminess and structure without the need for complex candy-making tools like a thermometer. This recipe captures the spirit of grandma’s kitchen—warm, simple, and irresistibly sweet.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge is the kind of recipe every home cook should keep in their back pocket. It’s the dessert you turn to when guests show up unexpectedly, when you forgot to bake for the holiday party, or when your sweet tooth demands instant satisfaction.
With minimal ingredients, zero candy thermometer stress, and endless ways to customize, this fudge is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. One bite of this rich, creamy chocolate square—and you’ll see why it’s remained a southern classic for decades.
So grab your saucepan, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the magic of this quick, nostalgic treat. 🍫
